A hemorrhoids home treatment that primarily entails setting up healthful bowel habits, might keep the hemorrhoids from becoming more serious.

You should utilize the following suggestions to keep hemorrhoids from getting worse or to relieve your symptoms.

Avoid making hemorrhoids worse

* Blot the rectum lightly with whitened bathroom paper moistened using normal water or a cleaning agent (like Balneol) following bowel actions. Baby wipes or perhaps some other premoistened towels (such as Tucks) tend to be also beneficial for this specific purpose.

* Avoid rubbing the anal area. You can rinse off in the shower or on a bidet instead of wiping yourself with toilet paper. After cleansing, gently pat the anal area dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth.

* Use soaps that contain no perfumes or dyes.

Relieve pain and itching

* Take nonprescription pain relievers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help with pain and swelling.

* Apply ice several times a day for 10 minutes at the same time. Follow this by placing a warm compress on the anal area for another 10-20 minutes.

* Apply moist heat (such as warm, damp towels) several times a day.

Have a sitz bath. Fill your bathtub with just enough warm water to cover the anal area. Do this several times a day, especially after getting had a bowel movement. Soak for about 15 minutes during a period. Be careful! If the water is too warm, it could burn you.

Use nonprescription medicines as recommended by your health professional or pharmacist.

Other comfort measures

* You may need a day or more of bed rest to take pressure off inflamed, irritated veins. If you’re 3 to 6 months pregnant, it may seem helpful to lie on your side. Should you be not pregnant, sleeping on your stomach with a pillow under your hips will help decrease swelling of hemorrhoids.

* Don’t sit or stand for a long time when hemorrhoids are irritated. If you must sit for a long period, sit on a pillow. Avoid lifting heavy objects.

* Wear cotton underwear to prevent moisture buildup, which can irritate hemorrhoids. Wear loose clothing to allow freedom of movement and to reduce pressure on the anal area.

* Do not use a ring (“doughnut”) cushion. It will restrict blood flow and may make your symptoms worse.